The first woman to earn NRCA Pro Certification paves the way

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Estefani Albright becomes a trailblazer in roofing certification, inspiring a new era for the industry. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, the spotlight shines on Estefani Albright, the first woman to earn a Pro Certification from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Host Megan Ellsworth discusses Estefani's journey, highlighting her determination and commitment to advancing in a traditionally male-dominated field. Joining the conversation is Jared Ribble, vice president of certification for NRCA, who notes the program's significance in ensuring quality and professionalism across the roofing industry. 

Estefani, a Venezuelan-born roofing professional, began her career at 18 and steadily worked her way up, recognizing early on the value of credibility and professionalism in roofing. Her journey to becoming the first woman to achieve NRCA Pro Certification is a milestone that both she and her company, Roman Roofing, celebrate. “We are proud of our workers and we wanted the world, the contractors, our client, to know that we are proud of it and that we trust in the work that we do,” Estefani says, reflecting on the drive behind her certification. 

Jared provides context on NRCA's Pro Certification program, which aims to elevate roofing standards by verifying skills and knowledge, similar to certifications in other skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work. “For decades, we've had no way of verifying that the person installing that roof... is quality and professional,” Jared explains. The certification is system-specific, ensuring roofers demonstrate proficiency with materials ranging from thermoplastics to asphalt shingles. With a practical skills assessment backed by video and photo evidence, the certification process also allows foremen to showcase their expertise in job safety, crew management and customer relations. 

The program has garnered interest beyond the roofing companies themselves. Jared notes that architects and consultants are beginning to request certified professionals on job sites, embedding NRCA's standards in project specifications. This trend, he suggests, helps companies demonstrate their commitment to quality, even in a challenging labor market. "It's really kind of interesting how the architects have been getting a hold of it and they're starting to put it inside the spec requiring it," Jared shares, noting the certification’s broader impact. 

For Estefani, this achievement goes beyond personal recognition. “I think it will inspire other women to do it,” she says, calling for the industry to embrace pro certification as a standard for all roofing professionals. Her milestone, she believes, can inspire both men and women in the field, recognizing that roofing is a space for anyone with skill and commitment. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Estefani’s journey and the NRCA Pro Certification!